Congress may vote separately in con-ass CNN Philippines

Congress may vote separately in con-ass

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Congressional leaders on Tuesday met to talk about how the two chambers would vote in amending the Constitution.

Congress, sitting as a constituent assembly (con-ass), may propose amendments by a three-fourths vote of all its members.

Read: Constituent Assembly eyed to shift to federal system

Senate President Koko Pimentel said that based on the Senate's interpretation of the law, the Senate and the House of Representatives should vote separately.

"The senators’ interpretation [of Article 17] is if Congress were to propose amendments and revisions of the constitution, the voting must be done separately," Pimentel said.

House Speaker Bebot Alvarez said the House was willing to support the Senate's position on the matter.

Read: Political dynasties can get in the way of charter change – Monsod

"Basta magkasundo kami, okay na yun [As long as we reach an agreement, it's okay]," he said.

Voting separately means the amended charter would have to be approved by a third of the Senate and a third of the House.

However, Pimentel and Alvarez said no final decision was made during their meeting.

They also said they were hoping to begin amending the charter by January next year.

Read: Lawmakers take federalism course before convening for cha-cha

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read more: http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/08/09/congress-constituent-assembly-separate-vote.html

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